Vaccines

VACCINES

If you clicked the "Vaccines" tab of this website, odds are you have some questions about vaccinations and if you should immunize your child. That can be a very scary thing to think about!We will do our absolute best to use the knowledge we have about the subject to educate you on the pros and cons of vaccines, and work with you to make a personalized plan on how to best care for the individual needs of your child.

Standard Kentucky Vaccination Schedule

(Click to enlarge)

VACCINE INFORMATION

Looking for Information on specific vaccines? Click the name of the vaccine you would like to know more about below to open the CDC handout information.

Dr. White's Vaccine Philosophy

Vaccinations… the biggest debate in pediatrics. Are vaccines safe? Are they effective? Are they worth it? Do they cause… (fill in the blank)?

It’s an important decision for every parent.

Let’s start with the first question I’m often asked. “Do you vaccinate your own children?” And, the answer to that question is “yes”. I’ve seen many of the diseases and have a healthy respect for them. When you’ve cared for a child with pertussis or meningococcemia for instance, it leaves a lasting effect. So, yes, I vaccinate my kids. I’ve weighed the risks and benefits and decided to vaccinate them to protect their health. Overall, vaccines are safe and effective. Are they absolutely safe all the time? No. But, neither is peanut butter or riding in a car.

However, I think it’s a complicated question. There are extremes on either side of the debate. I believe that right in the middle there is the proverbial elephant in the room. The diseases in question really exist. They aren’t theoretical— and whether its Polio, Measles or Ebola, they are at most one plane ride away. So I always ask my families to remember that reality when making decisions. I also think its important to remember that we get to have this discussion because we live in the safest little bubble in the history of the world. Because of overall high rates of vaccination, safe food & water and good nutrition we are not accustomed to the potentially serious outcomes of infectious disease. But, I would propose that the world is getting smaller and that risk is increasing— whether we want to admit it or not.

Ultimately, the decision to vaccinate is a very personal one, but one that should be continually reassessed as each child’s circumstances and risks change. The final decision is both the responsibility and right of the parents. My job is to partner with you to make informed decisions regarding your child’s health.

One of my favorite resources is “The Vaccine Book” by Dr. Robert Sears. He does a great job of discussing the risks and benefits of both vaccines and disease states. He also has a very good delayed schedule that many of my patients use.

I will be happy to discuss your individual concerns and help you come up with a plan that works best for your child.